News Summary: Stocks rise on Monday

(AP) - STOP WORRYING: Investors focused more on positive economic news and less on whether the Federal Reserve will begin to slow its stimulus this week. Positive economic news and two mergers boosted stock indexes.

ENDING A SLUMP: Monday brought the first gain for the Standard & Poor's 500 index in five days.

WHAT'S NEXT: The Federal Reserve's two-day meeting begins on Tuesday, with its next policy announcement expected on Wednesday.

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